Alfred E. Boerner

Boerner, Alfred E. beloved husband of Ethel Boerner of Calgary, passed away on Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at the age of 83 years. Besides his loving wife of fifty-five years, Al is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Jane and Michael Kelly and Ann Boerner and Darryl Barber; two sons and daughters-in-law David and Norma Boerner and Scott and Joan Boerner; eleven grandchildren Lauren (Aaron), Christopher, Elizabeth (Brendan), Patricia, Katelyn, Laura, Heather, Kyle, Victoria, Andrew and Caroline, all of whom live in Canada. He is also survived by a brother and sister-in-law, Roger and Joan Boerner and family, who live in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Al was the eldest son of Alfred L. Boerner for whom the Boerner Botanical Gardens are named. He graduated from Shorewood High School and the University of Wisconsin- Madison and served in the United states Army in Italy during WW II. Al will be remembered for his passion for observing, understanding, and explaining the natural world which allowed him to be a consummate professional in his work as a geologist. He will be remembered by his professional colleagues in the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (C.I.M.M.), and the Geological Society of America (G.S.A.) We will also remember him for his intellectual engagement with the social and political issues of the day, and of course, his very bad puns. We are grateful that he shared these qualities with us and we will be reminded of him in the whistling of the wind and the beautiful bird songs of a summer day. A private family gathering will be held in Calgary. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com